Note: As of fall 2015, we have been informed by our readers that this product has been reformulated. We appreciate your patience while we work on updating this review!

Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum Fragrance Free is a silky, water-based serum that contains a fairly broad complement of beneficial ingredients for all skin types. It contains approximately 2% to 3% niacinamide, and, in this amount, it can increase the skin's ceramide and fatty acid content as well as have anti-inflammatory action and work to reduce hyperpigmentation (Sources: The New Ideal in Skin Health: Separating Fact From Fiction, Thornfeldt Carl MD, Allured Books, 2010, pages 160-161; and Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, April 2004, pages 88–93).

Olay claims the peptide this contains can regenerate skin cells. Peptides are cell-communicating ingredients that can help improve skin's appearance and enhance its healthy functioning, but they are not miracle-workers for skin, nor are they all that smoothing on their own. They're good ingredients to see in anti-aging products, but they're not going to work quite the same way many skincare brands seem to want consumers to believe.

The various types of silicones that really give this product its elegant texture and make skin feel unbelievably silky, and the lightweight finish is best for normal to oily skin. This serum runs circles around most products sold as foundation primers, so be sure to consider this if you're of the mindset that a primer is essential to seamless makeup application. You can use a serum like this instead and save yourself an extra step!

I seem to be the only one that hasn't had problems with the reformulated version of this product. I've used this serum before they changed it, after reading the beautypedia review on it,...Read complete review

I seem to be the only one that hasn't had problems with the reformulated version of this product. I've used this serum before they changed it, after reading the beautypedia review on it, and took the risk of trying the new formula because it had worked so well. I've been using it a little over a week now and have had the same great results. I even think it gives my skin a slightly more silky feel than the previous. The only issue I've run into is that it does sting a bit if I use it after an exfoliating product, but I've experienced that with most other products and so far this one hasn't caused any redness or damage to the skin as a result. I'm really curious to see Beuatypedia's updated review of this product to find out what their opinion of it is.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

new formula?propylene glycol

Ive been using this product for over 2 years now and it worked wonders on my sensitive rashy skin, but lately ive been breaking out really bad and checked the ingredients. Did it always...Read complete review

Ive been using this product for over 2 years now and it worked wonders on my sensitive rashy skin, but lately ive been breaking out really bad and checked the ingredients. Did it always have propylene glycol?? Cuz I am allergic to that ingredient and ive looked at some other regenerating olay serums ingredients and didn't contain that chemical. Where can I buy the old formula?

I bought this product to use as a supplement to my skincare regimen, just to make my skin healthier. I read here about the benefits of antioxidants, serums, etc, and this anti-aging serum is (apparently - according to this review) chalk-full of various beneficial ingredients. I didn't buy this for anti-aging, as I am 23...once again just for the sake of improving my skincare regimen and adding a serum. Contrary to some of these reviews, I haven't had any issues with this serum! I bought this maybe a month and a half ago, so, unless I happened to buy the old formulation (which seems unlikely), this new formulation seems to work well! It absorbs super quickly into the skin, is non-greasy, and is easy to apply. I usually put a moisturizer on top of this or my makeup primer with SPF, as this serum doesn't really moisturize at all. But I'm fine with that, as I'd prefer to just add whichever moisturizer I want at the moment on top of it without worrying about a greasy feel. I have minor breakouts on my face usually, and I haven't noticed them worsening after starting this product.

I just wish that the folks from beautypedia would *finally* get around to updating their analysis of this product since the new formulation! I bought this product for the skin beneficial ingredients mentioned in this review, and I'd like to know that it is up to date and accurate. I saw a review from mid-2015 that asked for a reformulation review, and there still isn't one! :o I know you guys are probably busy, but it seems like a lot of reviewers have had issues with this product and deserve an updated article.

This product does leave the skin feeling siky smooth and is a great primer. However I found it a bit too oily for my oily skin. It's those silicones probably which are always greasy. Although I liked the way this product worked as far as my skin's appearance, I had to drop it due to it's slight oilyness. By late afternoon my skin felt like a grease spot using this serum.

This serum doesn't hydrate dry areas but somehow makes my t-zone more oily over time. It's not a good makeup base either as it makes my foundation slide off repeatedly, even after re-application through the day! The product has more polymers and less benefits for skin. I'm very surprised by the 5 start rating!

I loved the old formula and I am so disappointed in the new formula. The old formula felt so soothing when I applied it to my skin. The new formula stings slightly. The new formula does moisturize my skin but unfortunately made me breakout into painful cystic acne. Can you recommend a serum in Paula's line that has a similar formula to the old Olay Regenerist Serum?

Bottom LineNo, I would not recommend this to a friend

Beautypedia Team Response:Hi there! We're so sorry this didn't work for you. You may want to try the Resist Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum. It's lightweight + has niacinamide, which is one of the all-star ingredients in this (and many of Olay's) formula(s). Good luck!

I seem to be the only one that hasn't had problems with the reformulated version of this product. I've used this serum before they changed it, after reading the beautypedia review on it, and took the risk of trying the new formula because it had worked so well. I've been using it a little over a week now and have had the same great results. I even think it gives my skin a slightly more silky feel than the previous. The only issue I've run into is that it does sting a bit if I use it after an exfoliating product, but I've experienced that with most other products and so far this one hasn't caused any redness or damage to the skin as a result. I'm really curious to see Beuatypedia's updated review of this product to find out what their opinion of it is.

I very recently bought this product online at a great price. I use it twice a day, and so far am liking it very much. It has a soft, silky finish and virtually no smell at all. I think this helps my very oily skin stay matte a bit longer during the day, but I put moisturizer with SPF over it, so unfortunately that effect is diminished somewhat. Overall, I am quite happy with my purchase.

I've been using this product for years and I loved it because it was so lightweight and made my skin feel silky soft. That is before Olay decided in its questionable wisdom to reformulate it. I'm not as crazy about it as before even though I still use it. It's a little thicker and takes more time to absorb. So, now since I already opened up the package from Costco, I use it at night and use Clinique Repairware Laser Serum in the a.m. It's expensive so that's why I use it only once a day.

Ive been using this product for over 2 years now and it worked wonders on my sensitive rashy skin, but lately ive been breaking out really bad and checked the ingredients. Did it always have propylene glycol?? Cuz I am allergic to that ingredient and ive looked at some other regenerating olay serums ingredients and didn't contain that chemical. Where can I buy the old formula?

Beautypedia Team Response:Hello there! We were not aware that this was reformulated to include propylene glycol. Olay's website does not have it listed but we did see a different formula on Ulta's site, so we will try to pick up a new bottle in stores and get the review updated =) Unfortunately, usually when a product is reformulated, the old versions are generally unavailable but you may want to check clearance racks at department stores, as they may have some stragglers. Thank you for the information on the reformulation!

Starting decades ago with the now-classic Oil of Olay, this brand now offers an extensive range of skin-care products sold at drugstores and mass-market stores. Today's Olay lineup for those concerned about staving off the effects of aging skin is impressive, comprising their Regenerist, Pro X, and Total Effects lines. All of these (and several other Olay products) contain the B vitamin niacinamide. As you might expect, the claims made for it are inflated, but niacinamide is a very helpful ingredient for all skin types, capable of exerting multiple benefits.

In fact, perhaps the biggest complaint about Olay is that there are a number of repetitive formulas within and between the sub-brands make this line confusing and tricky to shop! Still, there is a lot to like about this drugstore stalwart, with its main drawback being a few formulas containing fragrance or other ingredients that have the potential to cause irritation.

For more information about Olay, owned by Procter & Gamble, call (800) 285-5170 or visit www.olay.com.

About the Experts

The Beautypedia and Paula’s Choice Research teams have one mission: To help you find the best products for your skin, whether they’re from Paula’s Choice or another brand. By combining efforts, we’re able to share scientific research and remain committed to the highest standards based on our decades of experience objectively reviewing thousands upon thousands of skincare and makeup formularies in all price ranges.

Beautypedia cuts through the hype to bring you product insights and recommendations you won’t find anywhere else!

Our experts have been featured on:

Buy It now

Starting decades ago with the now-classic Oil of Olay, this brand now offers an extensive range of skin-care products sold at drugstores and mass-market stores. Today's Olay lineup for those concerned about staving off the effects of aging skin is impressive, comprising their Regenerist, Pro X, and Total Effects lines. All of these (and several other Olay products) contain the B vitamin niacinamide. As you might expect, the claims made for it are inflated, but niacinamide is a very helpful ingredient for all skin types, capable of exerting multiple benefits.

In fact, perhaps the biggest complaint about Olay is that there are a number of repetitive formulas within and between the sub-brands make this line confusing and tricky to shop! Still, there is a lot to like about this drugstore stalwart, with its main drawback being a few formulas containing fragrance or other ingredients that have the potential to cause irritation.

For more information about Olay, owned by Procter & Gamble, call (800) 285-5170 or visit www.olay.com.

your review has been received

Thanks for sharing your experience with this product! Approved reviews appear on our site within 3-5 business days.

We reserve the right to reject or modify reviews without notice. All submitted reviews become the property of Paula's Choice, LLC.

We respect your privacy and the information you provided will NOT be sold, shared or disseminated in any way. Read More...

AUSTRALIA

EUROPE

NORTH AMERICA

Paula’s Choice Auto Delivery is a quick and convenient way to make sure you never run out of your favorite products again. Just select the products you can’t live without, choose how often you’d like them delivered and we’ll take care of the rest.